A Cuban citizen named Carlos Martín Gómez has taken to TikTok to publicly protest against the repeated evictions he's faced from local police in Málaga, where he resides under a bridge with his dog. In one of his videos, Gómez claims that law enforcement officers have confiscated his essential belongings multiple times, including mattresses and makeshift construction materials he uses for sleeping and shelter.
"The police were here again... this morning they took everything, and now I'm out with a wheelbarrow trying to find pallets so I can sleep with my dog," he remarks in the video.
Gómez insists that he has gathered all these resources by himself and criticizes what he perceives as unfair treatment by the authorities. "They're coming back again to take my mattresses and all my things. I brought all these things myself," he asserts in the same video.
He also highlights what he sees as arbitrary management in social assistance and immigration matters. "Certain people from certain countries come here, breaking things, threatening, assaulting, and robbing. They get an apartment. Meanwhile, I'm doing no harm to anyone, and they take everything from me," he complains.
According to the Cuban, a river maintenance worker can attest to his good conduct. "Ask him if I'm an alcoholic. I don't steal, I don't harm anyone. I live and strive to make an honest living," he states.
Describing his situation as untenable, Gómez expresses his disillusionment with promises of help. "I can't take it anymore. This life I'm living... I just can't take it," he says, visibly distraught, voicing his frustration. "What do you want me to do? Should I hit someone to get locked up for twenty years?"
In another video, the Cuban mentions that he's been a victim of multiple evictions and broken promises, both from institutions and individuals. "I had hundreds of followers offering me jobs, homes... one left me stranded at the Eroski in the terminal, another took me to Marbella to find a place and never showed up," he recounts.
For years, Gómez has lived in various shanties—poorly constructed homes often built in suburban areas—made from recycled materials, some with verbal permission from the landowners. All have been demolished, he claims, by police orders. "I had a business, took scrap to Campanilla, worked. I got up every day to earn a living," he assures, adding that he's been registered for years at the Hermanos Olmedo scrapyard.
Gómez further notes that he was exiled from Cuba after serving time as a political prisoner and blames the Spanish government for his current plight. "The Spanish government brought me here. They washed their hands like Pontius Pilate. They released me and said: 'find your own way,'" he declares.
Lastly, he criticizes the limitations of digital platforms, claiming he's been censored for his opinions. "They've shut down several of my TikTok accounts because of what I say. How is it possible that an anti-communist like me gets censored for speaking the truth?"
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Exiles in Spain
Why is Carlos Martín Gómez living under a bridge?
Carlos Martín Gómez resides under a bridge in Málaga due to repeated evictions and lack of stable housing, despite his efforts to gather resources and live honestly.
What challenges does Gómez face with local authorities?
Gómez faces the challenge of local authorities frequently confiscating his belongings and dismantling his makeshift homes, despite his peaceful conduct.
How does Gómez view the Spanish government's role in his situation?
Gómez blames the Spanish government for his current predicament, as he was brought to Spain after being exiled from Cuba without proper support or guidance.